Italian and American medical communities gathered for the annual San Bortolo barbecue held in the partially medieval cloister of the San Bortolo Hospital Sept. 25.
The event, which continues a tradition started in 2004, renews the bonds and partnership between the U.S. Army Health Center on Caserma Ederle and their Italian counterparts.
This year, many Vicenza Health Center staff members cooked about 500 hamburgers and 300 hot dogs for their Italian colleagues and other participants.
"This is fantastic," said Col. Andrew Barr USAHC commander, after addressing the Italian staff and thanking them for their support of the Vicenza Military Community.
"We try to give a nice couple of hours when they come out for a lunch break, get a good American food enjoy the weather and that kind of hospitality. Then they go back to work and take care of our community, Soldiers and family members," said Barr.
He also added how Soldiers love to go and volunteer for this event.
"It's about the same turnout every year. We try to plan as much as we can and it seems to go very well," Barr added.
After a ceremonial presentation Col. Barr and Dr. Tiziana Sagazio, M.D., deputy director general of Vicenza's San Bortolo Hospital, cut the Italian and American cakes that symbolize the friendship between the two communities for more than 50 years.
"We are like siblings in this relationship to take the best care of the American community," expressed Sagazio after receiving a memento from Col. Barr in recognition of San Bortolo Hospital support.
Sagazio thanked her American guests who, once again, continued the tradition of the yearly barbecue event.
"We are happy to be here to provide services for you and we welcome and thank you once again for being here," she said.
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